Ocean heat effect on the observed and predicted reduction of the Arctic sea ice: results of the AARI contribution to ACCESS WP1

Abstract

Under conditions of reducing ice cover the influence of ocean heat on Arctic sea ice is expected to increase. We are identifying several ways how the ocean heat may be transferred towards the ice contributing to the existent ice thinning and/or impeding new ice formation. They include: Direct impact of sensible heat, stored in the ocean on the ice cover in the locations close to the warm inflow of Atlantic Water (AW) and Pacific Water (PW); Vertical heat flux via double diffusion convection from AW layer in the central Arctic Basin Increased upward heat flux from AW over continental slope and outer shelf, where AW upwells the shelf, and vertical mixing is enhanced due to strong shear, tidal currents, and shelf intrusions; Atmospheric heat accumulation in the melted water, which enhances lateral ice erosion.